The next album to be reviewed on the blog is OnlyOneOf’s seOul cOllectiOn, which was released back in March of this year. This is my first time reviewing an album from OnlyOneOf. They have such different music to other artists in the past, so I thought I give them an album a try and see what else they have to offer. Apologies that it has taken me a while to actually get around to reviewing on their albums.

In my opinion, there is a bit to like on this mini-album, which includes the title track seOul drift (which, spolier alert, is the lowest ranked track on the mini-album, in my opinion) and six other sides tracks (2 of which are the Korean version of previously released Japanese singles and another is the English version of a previous Korean track promoted by the group). I won’t tell you the title of those songs, so scroll on down to find out what they are and to check out my thoughts on seOul cOllectiOn.

1. chrOme hearts – Originally released a Japanese single, the Korean version of chrOme hearts kicks off this mini-album (retitled as chrOme hearts). The start of the song takes me back to their libidO era. But as chrOme hearts builds, the beat gets harder and the EDM synth choice becomes so much more metallic and unique. chrOme hearts ends up being quite an intense and powerful number. The vocals, especially in the choruses, were so sleek and I really enjoyed how fitting the gritty texture of song. a standout from the very beginning. (10/10)

2. seOul drift (Title Track) – Click here to read the full review for seOul drift. (6.5/10)

3. mirage – Briefly moving away from the synths and EDM is mirage, which brings forth acoustic guitar and softer beats to the mini-album. It holds very well after all of that intensity and power. The track is detailed with some jazzy touches, which gives it a classy feel. The jazzy touches also serve as the backing for the raps, which gives mirage some oomph. I also really like how breathy the vocals are and the flowy melodies the vocalists bring to life in the song. (7.5/10)

4. candy bOmb – The synths return in candy bOmb. I really like how deep the synths go in this track, while the beat keeps the track going forward. The tempo of candy bOmb is very quick – the saying “blink and you will miss it” applies to this song. I wished the melodies and vocals were a bit more developed. There is some catchiness to them, but they really need to be more memorable to offset the tempo. The bridge of candy bOmb is a complete 180, going into a dreamy mode for a matter of seconds, before the main beat and synths come back to close out the song. (8/10)

5. blueblueseOul – blueblueseOul is the Korean version of Hidoi Otoko, a Japanese single which comes from the group’s Cunning Woman single album. I really like the atmospheric vibes that kick off the song. While the atmospheric vibes continue in the background, the beat and guitar work grounds the song. We get breathy vocals once again, which sound blissful in blueblueseOul. It was a nice listen, and paired with the instrumentation, is well produced and amazing track. (9/10)

6. nabi – The final new track is nabi, the group’s answer to the obligatory ballad for every KPOP album release. It is nice to hear the group away from the intensity that they build their image and sound upon. It is a delicate number, with the members sounding soothing and the instrumentation gives off that swaying effect I look for in balladry numbers. However, I wished there was a more memorable melody to pull me back to the song. (7/10)

7. dOra maar (English Version) – I haven’t actually reviewed dOra maar yet, even though it has been over three years since its original release in Korean. It is a slow R&B dance track which is quite engaging to listen to. The members do an amazing job with the delivery of the track, bringing a mature and sensual tone to life. I enjoyed the clanging beat, which is a bit different. I did wish there was a bit more to the song towards the end, just to give the song a bit more edge and keep it interesting. But overall, a strong reason for me to revisit some of their earlier works. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8/10